Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Geohazards and Earthquake Engineering (GeoQuake) Research Lab invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position. The GeoQuake Lab takes an interdisciplinary approach to the assessment of seismic hazards (including earthquake ground shaking and ground failure), and their impact on civil infrastructure systems as well as the communities they serve. Our research team examines, processes, and compiles large, global, and regional earthquake ground motion databases, and develops analytical and numerical models of seismic wave propagation through complex media. In doing so, we use geospatial analytics to interrogate different types of data and advance modeling frameworks of geohazards at multiple scales. We also conduct dynamic laboratory testing of soils, incorporate geology, geomorphology and probabilistic frameworks into assessments of the variability and uncertainty associated with geohazards.

The work conducted at the GeoQuake Lab spans the physics underlying the seismic wave propagation phenomenon and the practical implications on infrastructure performance to inform decision making, based on fundamental understanding of natural hazards and their complex interactions with the built environment. The successful applicant will support GeoQuake’s new projects and grant application writing in the area of physics-based ground motion simulations.

Research activities [80%]: Developing pathways to improve physics-based ground motion simulations in highly uncertain environments with a focus on developing improved characterizations of the effects of shallow and deep geologic structures. This work will be highly collaborative, interdisciplinary and will likely involve GeoQuake graduate students working on related topics.

Project management and coordination [20%]: Collaborate with GeoQuake Principal Investigator to co-develop a strategic research plan, identifying sources of funding, and supporting grant application writing.